According to IDC, Apple’s share of smartphone shipments in China grew to 17.8% in Q3 2026, up from 15.8% year-over-year, despite a 15.4% year-over-year decline in overall smartphone shipments. While Apple’s shipments fell 4.3% year-over-year and 15.1% quarter-over-quarter, it lost less ground than competitors, boosting its market position. Huawei dominated the quarter with a 17.3% year-over-year shipment increase, raising its market share to 21.1% from 15.2% in Q3 2025, though its shipments still dropped 17.6% sequentially. Lenovo was the only other top-10 brand with year-over-year growth (1.1%), while Samsung surged 106.5% quarter-over-quarter.
Wiko saw the steepest decline (74%), shrinking its share to 0.8%. IDC attributes market pressures to elevated component costs and retail prices, expecting continued declines through 2027. Despite limited iPhone models, Apple’s new iPhones received better-than-expected reception, with IDC noting Huawei’s strong performance driven by its diverse product lineup and restrained price increases.
Honor remained the only major brand to post quarter-over-quarter growth, hinting at a potential rebound.
Source: 9to5Mac · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing